Notes found in 2004 may help solve 1988 murder

8-year-old April Tinsley's avowed killer taunts, warns.

8-year-old April Tinsley's avowed killer taunts, warns.

September 20, 2006|TOM GERMUSKA Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

FORT WAYNE -- More than 18 years after April Marie Tinsley disappeared and her body was found in DeKalb County, police Monday issued a plea for the public's help in identifying the handwriting on a series of notes believed to be written by the 8-year-old's killer. Four handwritten notes on yellow lined paper, each sealed in a zip-closed plastic baggie, were found at different locations in Allen County in 2004. The notes were left at the homes of young girls and have many similarities, Police Chief Rusty York said during a news conference Monday afternoon. Police released a composite collection containing many of the similar points in the notes. They all begin with "Hi Honey" and have numerous words misspelled. The writer identifies himself as the person responsible for the kidnapping and rape of April Tinsley and demands that the note be reported to police so he can see it the next day in the newspaper or on local TV news. Police have not previously released any information about the notes or this apparent lead in the case. April was abducted on April 1, 1988, as she walked from a friend's house in the 2300 block of Hoagland Avenue in south-central Fort Wayne. Her body was found by a jogger three days later on April 4 in southern DeKalb County. In May 1990, police learned of a message taking credit for killing April written on the side of a barn in northeast Allen County. The writing on the barn appears to be similar to the notes that were found 14 years later. After police collected the four notes in 2004, the FBI's Behavioral Science Division was brought in to consult on the case. Fort Wayne detectives and the FBI unit have been working together since then, York said. The timing of Monday's announcement was based on the recommendation of the FBI, York said. "We believe the public's help will provide a boost to this investigation," York said. Police are looking for anyone who may recognize the handwriting or who is in possession of or has seen a similar note on yellow paper in a sealed plastic baggie. Another possibility could be someone who has seen this handwriting as graffiti left on buildings around Allen County, police said. "It is believed that many of the errors contained in the notes may have been made intentionally," York said, reading from a written statement. "However, even if a writer is attempting to disguise his identity, there will often be evidence of his normal, everyday writing style." Police are hoping the public may recognize the writing or the writer's use of certain phrases or style. It's also possible someone has received another communication -- at work, from a neighbor, co-worker or family member -- that bears a resemblance to the writing. "In addition, the writer may have demonstrated an unusual interest in the media during this time frame," York said. "The writer may spend a significant amount of his time driving around in a vehicle, either because of his employment or personal preference." York asked that residents consider and report previously discovered notes or graffiti that might have seemed insignificant because of the time lapse since Tinsley was killed. Even if the notes were discarded, they should be reported. He also asked the public to report any information even if it repeats previously known information. "The police still need to hear from you," he said, speaking on behalf of Allen County Sheriff Jim Herman and Allen County Prosecutor Karen Richards, who both stood with York at a lectern but did not speak. York said there are numerous details related to the investigation he could not discuss Monday. But he was optimistic that the public's help would provide a break in the 18-year-old homicide case.